Champions League: That’s why the 2026 final will kick off at 6 p.m. instead of 9 p.m

Innovation in the Champions League

That’s why the final starts at 6 p.m

9 p.m. has been the usual kick-off time for Champions League games for years. For this year’s final, UEFA is deviating from this practice. What the association was thinking.

Before the final duel between FC Arsenal and defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, one special feature catches the eye: the final in Budapest will kick off at 6 p.m. this Saturday – significantly earlier than usual.

Normally, premier class games start at 9 p.m. This also applied to all quarter- and semi-final games this season as well as to the finals of the Europa League and Conference League. UEFA announced the new kick-off time for the Champions League final shortly before the draw for the league phase last August.

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UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin explained the change: “With this change, we are putting the fan experience at the center of our planning. The Champions League final is the highlight of the football season, and the new kick-off time will make it even more accessible, inclusive and impressive for everyone involved.”

According to the association, the earlier kick-off makes the “logistics and processes” surrounding the final easier. At the same time, it should benefit the fans and the venues. Ceferin further explained: “While a 9pm kick-off is well suited for midweek games, an earlier kick-off on Saturday for the final means an earlier finish – regardless of extra time or penalties – and offers fans the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the evening with friends and family and reflect on the game of the season.”

UEFA also sees advantages for the spectators in the stadium. After the final whistle, fans would be able to leave more easily using public transport. The association also expects “a positive economic effect for the host cities, as the fans have the opportunity to continue celebrating after the game.”

The association also refers to the broadcast of the final. “The new kick-off time corresponds to better transmission times in order to make the final accessible to even more viewers worldwide on screens and on the Internet,” said the association. “There is a particular focus on younger viewers.”